Papapapalaisipan kung ano nga ba ang Wais...Alamin natin!

Thanks to Lumen (and Lola Obang too!), our creative friends from the Lowe Lintas and the brilliant marketing people from Unilever, the word “Wais” has become part of our day-to-day lingo. I’ve searched far and wide on the Internet space but have not yet come across the word’s formal definition. The closest I got was seen in the myAyala site, that “wais means smart”. But does it only mean smart?

 I’ve asked a couple of friends on their take on the word “wais” and here are some of their answers:

…smart, practical.

…ang magaling dumiskarte, mabilis niyang nababasa ang sitwasyon at may naisip agad na solusyon.

…wise.  

Yes these are all true but, for me, being “wais” has a lot of depth and layers to it. You’re not just smart, nor practical nor madiskarte. I’ve given it some thought and I’d like to think that I have actually been able to successfully capture the essence of being Wais in 3 points (Yes, I know very Miss Universe…Hehehe!): 

Marunong, Hindi nagmamarunong

It is being equipped with practical tidbits and know-how with the mantra: “I learn new things everyday from everyone and everything.” For the wais, education never stops. Learning through various means possible: formal education (school/classes), Do-It-Yourself reading and research, consulting experts (family, friends and real experts per se), or simply just asking questions. More importantly, he/she does not pretend to know everything because the wais is humble to admit he/she is not AK (all-knowing).

Madiskarte, Hindi maarte

It is all about proper planning and strategizing: giving solutions to existing and foreseen problems. Less complaining and more doing. Less dwelling on the past and more moving forward. More importantly, it is thinking on your toes, being ready for anything and everything that life throws your way. moving forward,

Maabilidad, Hindi tamad

I know this maybe quite similar to the point above but I assure you, I really think there is a distinct difference. It is being able to maximize the existing resources, being creative and resourceful with what you have. More importantly, it is being content with the present at the same time diligently working towards a particular goal/purpose.

 There it is folks, my definition of the word “wais”. Aye thank you! Baw!

And yes, this is the life I would want to live, the wais life. Join me in the pursuit of going full circle in living the wais life to be marunong, madiskarte and maabilidad.

So what is “wais” for you?

Live Wais-ly,

Juana B. Wais

P.S.  I’d love love love to hear more from you: your wais tips & tricks, stories, experiences you’d want to share and topics you want to be talked about. Please do send me your PMs and email me at juana.b.wais@gmail.com or add me up on Twitter (juanabwais), Plurk (juanabwais) and Facebook (Juana B. Wais).